How We Got Here
Started in a cramped Toronto loft back in 2012, we've grown from sketching concepts on coffee-stained napkins to creating spaces that people actually wanna spend time in. Here's the journey...
The Beginning
First Studio Opens
Two architects, one vision, and way too much coffee. Sarah Chen and Marcus Williams met during a heritage restoration project in Distillery District and realized they both hated how modern buildings ignored their temporal context. So we decided to do something about it.
Our first project? A tiny residential renovation in Leslieville. The clients wanted modern, but the 1890s brick deserved respect. That tension became our whole philosophy.
Breaking Through
Harbourfront Commercial Complex
This was the one that put us on the map. A waterfront lot that developers wanted to cram with glass boxes. We pushed back hard - designed something that felt like it'd been there for decades while being completely contemporary.
Used reclaimed materials from demolished warehouses, created sight lines that connected to Toronto's industrial past. Won our first OAA award and suddenly people were calling us instead of the other way around.
Going Green (For Real)
Sustainable Design Pivot
Look, we'd always cared about sustainability but 2018 hit different. Climate reports were getting scary and we realized temporal architecture isn't just about aesthetics - it's about building stuff that'll actually last and not wreck the planet.
Brought on Elena Rodriguez as our sustainability director. She'd worked on Passivhaus projects in BC and basically schooled us on everything we thought we knew about green building. Now every project starts with the question: "How's this gonna age over 50 years?"
Heritage Deep Dive
Old City Hall Annex Restoration
This project nearly killed us (in the best way). Three years of working with century-old limestone, navigating heritage committees, and figuring out how to make a 1920s building work for 2020s needs without gutting its soul.
James Park joined us mid-project - he's a heritage conservation specialist who treats old buildings like living organisms. His perspective changed everything. Now we've got a whole division dedicated to restoration work.
Expanding Horizons
Urban Planning & Community Focus
Started consulting on larger urban planning projects because honestly, individual buildings are cool but whole neighborhoods? That's where you can really make an impact on how people experience time and place.
Working with community groups now, not just developers. It's messier, takes longer, and we love it. Architecture shouldn't just be for people who can afford fancy custom homes.
